Federal Education Department to Disburse Remaining Untapped Funds from Prior Grants to Schools
The Trump administration's review of federal education funds, which amounted to over $6 billion, has been brought to an end, following pressure from Republican senators and other lawmakers [1][2][3][4][5]. The funds, initially frozen since July 1, were essential for various educational programs, including English language instruction, adult literacy, teacher training, migrant education, and student academic support [1][2][3][4][5].
The administration's programmatic review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) aimed to ensure that the funds aligned with Trump administration policies and priorities. However, the administration claimed that many grants had been used to subsidize a "radical leftwing agenda," prompting the hold [1][5].
The decision to release the held funds came after several weeks, with the administration agreeing to do so by late July 2025 [1][3][5]. The released funds include:
- $890 million for English-learner services (Title III-A).
- $715 million nationwide for adult education and literacy programs.
- $2.2 billion for teacher professional development (Title II-A).
- $1.4 billion for student support and enrichment (Title IV-A).
- $375 million for migrant education (Title I-C).
- Additional funds for after-school and summer programs under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant (about $1.3 billion released earlier) [1][2][3][5].
The freeze had a significant negative impact on schools, adult education providers, workforce training, and state budgets, threatening layoffs, program reductions, and halting vital services for English learners and adult literacy students [2][5]. The bipartisan political and public push, including a letter from Republicans and lawsuits from Democratic officials, contributed to the decision to unfreeze and distribute the grants [5].
In Harford County, Maryland, some of the withheld federal money made up more than half the budget for the district's annual summer camp for kids learning English [4]. Meanwhile, smaller districts, such as those in Burlington, Vermont; Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and Norristown, Pennsylvania, each received over $300 per student from these grants [4]. The Los Angeles Unified School District received $62 million from these grants in the 2022-23 school year [4].
The summer camp at Bel Air High School in Maryland is attended by over 350 children, where young learners are practicing alphabet skills using an alphabet wheel, while middle school students are watching a robotics team demonstration [4]. High school student volunteers, who were previously campers learning English, are helping with art projects [4].
The funding freeze was a distraction for schools, according to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wa. Without the money, school districts and nonprofits like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America would have to close or scale back educational offerings this fall [4]. Philadelphia's school district got $28 million, while Miami's got over $24 million [4].
The education sector can now breathe a sigh of relief as the funding crisis has been averted, ensuring the continuation of essential programs and services for students across the country.
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